The Ideal Congregation
Every preacher wishes he had a congregation like the one that gathered in the home of Cornelius to listen to Peter. Cornelius tells the apostle, “We are all present before God, to hear all the things commanded you by God” (Acts 10:33).
- They were in their places early (vs. 24). No wandering in at the last minute–or after the meeting had started. I was at a pastor’s conference at Moody Bible Institute a few years back. About 1200 pastors were asked to join in singing “The Church’s One Foundation.” This we began to do, when some late-comers sauntered down the aisle and began working their way past others to empty seats. “Just a minute!” said the song leader, bringing the singing to a halt. “This is a hymn to be sung to the praise of God, not music to walk in by. We’ll wait till you’re seated.” (I was glad I was in my place on time!)
- They had invited friends and relatives to join them (vs. 24). (When is the last time you invited someone to church?)
- They saw themselves as gathering in the presence of God (cf. Matt. 18:20). Many of us look to see if our friends are there, or look forward to some special speaker or musician being there. But are we conscious of the presence of a holy God in our midst?
- They expected God to speak to them through His servant. The sermon was not viewed as mere entertainment, but as a directive from the Lord (cf. Ezek. 33:31-32).
- They listened to what was said and were receptive (vs. 44; cf. Matt. 13:9).
- They believed and obeyed God’s Word, expressing their faith through believer’s baptism (vs. 47-48; cf. 11:1, 18).
- God blessed the assembly in a special way. The particular manifestation of the Spirit that day provided a sign for the Jews that God was including Gentiles in the body of Christ, vs. 45-46. Though the results will differ today, we can expect the ready reception of the Word to bear fruit.
- They were eager to receive more teaching (vs. 48). (What a contrast to those who fret if the Sunday morning service extends beyond the noon hour!)